President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly compiling a list of Pentagon officers to dismiss, potentially including members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as part of a significant restructuring of the Department of Defense. Sources familiar with the transition, who requested anonymity, indicate that this plan is still in its early stages and may evolve.
The proposed move may target military officers linked to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, who has been critical of Trump in a recent book. Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, has expressed a desire to overhaul Pentagon leadership, believing numerous firings are necessary. General C.Q. Brown, Milley’s successor, is among those likely to be dismissed.
Some officials warn that such a significant shakeup could be disruptive amidst ongoing global conflicts. The feasibility of widespread dismissals is questioned, with uncertainty about whether Trump would endorse the plan.
This development aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to reform the military and remove officials he perceives as disloyal. The transition team has not publicly commented on the matter.